2016 National Geographic Private Expeditions Catalog by National Geographic Expeditions

Curated Trips for the Independent Traveler

TRAVEL CATALOG 2016

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Dear Traveler, Last summer, my husband and I had the opportunity to test-run a new private expedition to Spain. We’ve been on many wonderful National Geographic Expeditions, but this time we were on our own, just the two of us discovering Spain together with our own local guides on an itinerary crafted by National Geographic’s travel experts. It was a fantastic trip for many reasons: the guides that National Geographic chose to introduce us to each city were phenomenal— knowledgeable, friendly, and full of insights. We had just the right amount of planned activities: a Gaudí-inspired bike tour of Barcelona, a private paella cooking class, a guided excursion to Toledo, and a walking tour of Madrid with a private guide, to name a few. And we had ample free time to explore on our own. With the trip planned for us, we were able to relax and fully immerse ourselves in the experience. The pages that follow are ﬁlled with private expeditions like the one we took, designed in the spirit of National Geographic to bring you behind the scenes and off the beaten path in extraordinary destinations. Most of them feature National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World—a collection of spectacular properties that provide exceptional experiences for guests and are also deeply involved in protecting the culture and environment around them. On every private expedition, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of guided National Geographic–inspired experiences and time to venture out on your own. Imagine meeting your family for a reunion in Costa Rica and exploring the rain forest with your own naturalist guide; or venturing into villages on the Mekong Delta via bicycle rickshaw with a group of old friends. Celebrate an anniversary in Switzerland, zipping through the glorious Alps by train, or stay in a stunning Unique Lodge in a remote corner of the Serengeti on an unforgettable safari in Tanzania. These trips offer so many ways to share moments of wonder and hands-on discovery with your favorite travel companions. And if the experience you’re looking for isn’t in these pages, let us know and we can help you craft your dream trip. We hope you’ll come exploring on a private expedition soon! Sincerely,

EOGRAPHIC LG

Y CIET SO

NATIO NA

Lynn Cutter Executive Vice President National Geographic Travel

ORA

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. A. D

When you travel with us, you make a difference. Your support is vital to National Geographic’s mission of increasing global understanding through conservation, research, education, and exploration.

2 Cover: Necks entwined, a pair of zebras rest amid the grasses of Tanzania.

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Sundowners around a campﬁre cap off an afternoon safari at Sayari Camp in the northern Sere

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2016 TRIPS AFRICA Tanzania Morocco South Africa Kenya Botswana

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10 12 14 15 32

ASIA China Bhutan Vietnam and Cambodia Mongolia India

| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 33

EUROPE Switzerland Greece Italy Spain

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20 21 22 23

NORTH AMERICA Alaska Costa Rica

| 24 | 26

OCEANIA Australia

| 33

SOUTH AMERICA Peru Patagonia Ecuador

| 28 | 30 | 32

4 6–9 34–37 38 40 43 3

n Serengeti.

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TRAVEL INDEPENDENTLY— WITH ALL THE BENEFITS OF EXPLORING WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

A Vietnamese woman balances baskets of bananas.

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS are unique

itineraries designed to bring you and the traveling companions you choose—whether it’s one, two, or ten—to extraordinary places all over the world. You’ll travel with dynamic guides and stay in top accommodations, including National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. And, you’ll enjoy special access to sites and local experts. GET CLOSER THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED

National Geographic opens doors all over the world, and when you travel with us on a private expedition, you get an intimate perspective of incredible places. In Peru, watch artisans practicing ancient Andean weaving techniques that have been revived by a National Geographic grantee. Stay in a traditional ger and visit with nomads in Mongolia’s Gobi desert, or on Alaska’s Iditarod Trail hear about the history of dogsledding during a private demonstration. During your trip, you’ll be accompanied by private guides who share their knowledge and insights and take you off the beaten path to ﬁnd your destination’s hidden gems. EXPERIENCE THE WORLD AUTHENTICALLY

Our itineraries are designed to maximize your opportunities to truly experience a place, combining sites both awe-inspiring and thought-provoking, interactions with the local culture, and enough free time for you to get to know a place and its people on your own. In Kenya, you’ll learn about ﬂora and fauna on walks with the Maasai. In China, try your hand at making dumplings with a local chef, and on the Greek isle of Santorini, settle into a centuries-old hillside cave dwelling at a stunning National Geographic Unique Lodge. ENRICHING EXPLORATION MADE EASY

Gather your travel companions—be it your spouse, your sister, your whole family, or a handful of old friends—and select the itinerary that captures your imagination. Then simply decide which dates work for you. We do all the legwork. All you have to do is choose when and where you’d like to go, and whom you’d like by your side. If you’d like to create a custom trip to a destination you don’t see in these pages, we can help with that too. Turn to page 38 to ﬁnd out more.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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EXPERIENCE OUR LODGES ALONG THE WAY

Southern Ocean Lodge on Australia’s Kangaroo Island

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STAY AT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC UNIQUE LODGES OF THE WORLD. Our new collection of world-class lodges spans six continents and offers a vast array of experiences while supporting and preserving the local culture and environment. These lodges are portals to untouched and unexpected places: you’ll ﬁnd them nestled in the rain forests of Costa Rica or perched on the rugged coast of Australia’s Kangaroo Island (pictured left). And you’ll stay in one or more of them on most of our private expeditions.

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES, JUST FOR OUR GUESTS Each of our lodges has created a special, complimentary experience offered exclusively to National Geographic guests. At Mashpi Lodge in the cloud forests of Ecuador, for example, take a private nature walk with the resident biologist and get an insider’s view of ongoing research initiatives. Enjoy an intimate meal within an ancient milkwood forest in South Africa, or go stargazing with an astronomer in Mongolia’s Gobi desert.

ACCOMMODATIONS THAT INSPIRE As leaders in sustainable tourism, our lodges are deeply connected to the surrounding community and deeply involved in protecting local wildlife and habitats. What does this mean for you? Unparalleled access to unspoiled wild places, such as Chile’s Atacama Desert or the wetlands of the Okavango Delta in Botswana; genuine interactions with local people from Bhutan to Morocco; and peace of mind. After all, by staying at our lodges, you are contributing to tourism’s positive impact and helping safeguard our planet for future generations.

See some of the lodges featured on our private expeditions on the next page.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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IMAGINE YOURSELF HERE. On most of our private expeditions, you’ll step across the threshold into one of our Unique Lodges and enter a world in complete harmony with its surroundings, where opportunities for discovery lie just beyond your doorstep and you make a difference simply by staying. Take a look at a few of our lodges below, and ﬁnd the private expeditions that feature them in the pages that follow. Visit nationalgeographiclodges.com to see our full collection.

Lizard Island Resort Great Barrier Reef, Australia Delve into the astonishing marine world of the Great Barrier Reef and explore 2,500 pristine acres of lush coastline at Lizard Island Resort, the only development in this remote national park. See page 33.

Three Camel Lodge

Rubondo Island Camp

Gobi, Mongolia

Rubondo Island National Park, Tanzania

Stay in handcrafted gers and encounter the people, wildlife, and natural wonders of Mongolia’s Gobi. See page 19.

Set out on safari on Rubondo Island, an isle in Lake Victoria that’s home to unusual wildlife—both terrestrial and aquatic. See page 11.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Lapa Rios Eco Lodge

Western Cape, South Africa

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

At Africa’s southernmost edge, go whale watching, horseback riding, and hiking amid the ﬂowering fynbos of the Western Cape. See page 14.

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Settle into your bungalow on the tip of the Osa Peninsula and venture into the lodge’s private nature reserve with naturalists, discovering waterfalls, primary forest, empty beaches, and all manner of wildlife. See page 27.

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Tutka Bay Lodge

Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Aristi, Greece

From a cozy lodge nestled in a secluded cove on the Kenai Peninsula, experience Alaska’s soul-cleansing atmosphere, hiking through temperate rain forest, spotting bears, kayaking into fjords, and much more. See page 25.

Amid the rugged peaks of northern Greece, stay in traditional stoneand-slate dwellings and head out to discover storybook villages, plunging gorges, and the legacy of the Ottoman trade routes that once passed through. See page 21.

Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa Atacama Desert, Chile Step out of your stunning lodge and into one of the most surreal places on the planet, exploring volcanoes, geysers, and vast salt ﬂats, and getting to know an ancient local culture. See page 31.

Zhiwa Ling

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

Paro, Bhutan

Machu Picchu Pueblo, Peru

In an architectural masterpiece in the Himalayas, celebrate Bhutan’s cultural traditions during a drum ceremony and a butter-lamp offering with Buddhist monks. See page 17.

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Nestled in tropical forests just beneath the citadel of Machu Picchu, lovely casitas are your base for discovering birds, butterﬂies, orchids, as well as the legendary Inca site. See page 29.

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TANZANIA

Balloons drift at dawn over the Serengeti.

Encounter the breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania, from savannas that teem with zebras and wildebeests to the deep caldera of Ngorongoro Crater, where an incredible range of species coexist. Go on safari away from the crowds at Tarangire National Park, home to a large concentration of elephants, and join excellent guides to track lions, leopards, and so much more. Then enjoy an intimate safari experience at Sayari Camp, a National Geographic Unique Lodge located in the remote northern Serengeti, and observe wildlife on a private game drive arranged exclusively for National Geographic guests.

Park on game drives. Due to its low volume of visitors, the reserve offers a serene and intimate wildlife-viewing experience. Seek out large herds of zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest, as well as the skulking leopards and cheetahs that prey on them. The park is also home to around 550 species of birds, including dazzling yellowcollared lovebirds and the world’s largest avian species, the stocking-thighed ostrich. OLIVER’S CAMP (B, L, D)

DAY 1 ARUSHA, TANZANIA Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lodge, located on the leafy grounds of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation. ARUSHA COFFEE LODGE

the ﬁrst of many safaris. Tarangire’s grassy plains are dotted with massive baobab trees and home to a high concentration of area wildlife. Elephants are especially abundant here, with some herds numbering up to 300 strong. After settling into your bungalow tent in the heart of the park, enjoy sundowner cocktails while taking in views over the savanna. OLIVER’S CAMP (B, L, D)

DAY 2 TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK Drive to Tarangire National Park, and head out on

DAY 3 TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK Spend the day exploring Tarangire National

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DAY 4 NGORONGORO CRATER Travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If your trip is between June and September, stop for a visit to the Noloholo Environmental Center, located just beyond the borders of Tarangire.* Directed by National Geographic Explorer Laly Lichtenfeld, Noloholo runs educational programs for local Maasai people in wildlife conservation and natural resource management. Attend a

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AFRICA

Zebras in Tarangire National Park

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

a visit to the Noloholo Environmental › Pay Center, directed by National Geographic Explorer Laly Lichtenfeld.* at Sayari Camp, a National › Stay Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, and spot wildlife from your private veranda. on the ﬂoor of the Ngorongoro › Picnic Crater. a private catered breakfast in the › Enjoy wilds of the Serengeti.

DAY 6 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK Fly to the vast plains of the Serengeti and check into your tented suite at Sayari Camp, one of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. Sayari is located a short distance from the Mara River, which runs directly through the path of the great wildebeest migration. Here, it’s not uncommon to see an elephant or hippo saunter past your bedroom window. This afternoon, set out on safari and take in the sunset on the savanna. SAYARI CAMP (B, L, D) DAY 7 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK Watch the Serengeti spring to life on an early morning game drive. Or see the majesty of the plains from the sky on an optional hot air balloon ride. As the sun breaks over the horizon, spot wildlife on the sweeping landscapes of the Serengeti before touching down for breakfast under the shade of an acacia tree. On an afternoon safari, delve even deeper into this remote wilderness as you travel along the banks of the Mara in search of crocodiles and hippos peeking above the water’s surface.

DATES This expedition is available year-round except April and May. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST

SAYARI CAMP (B, L, D)

Sayari Lodge

DAY 8 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK Rise early this morning for a special treat: an elegant catered breakfast in the bush followed by a private game drive—an excursion offered exclusively to National Geographic guests at the lodge. After time at leisure, head out on a ﬁnal afternoon safari on the lookout for jackals, wildebeests, zebras, and big cats. SAYARI CAMP (B, L, D)

presentation on these initiatives and enjoy a rare opportunity to visit one of the projects in the ﬁeld. This afternoon, settle into your lodge, perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.

DAY 9 ARUSHA Fly to Arusha and relax at your hotel before catching your ﬂight home this evening. RIVERTREES COUNTRY INN (B, L)

June and Nov.–Dec.

July–Oct.

4 people or more

$7,995

$9,495

2 people

$8,495

$9,995

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to and from Arusha, and airfare within Tanzania, are not included in the expedition cost. Internal ﬂights are $640 (subject to change). *The visit to Noloholo is offered between the months of June and September. Travelers in all other months will travel directly to Ngorongoro and enjoy an additional game drive in the crater.

NGORONGORO SERENA SAFARI LODGE (B, L, D)

DAY 5 NGORONGORO CRATER More than 12 miles in diameter, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest non-flooded caldera in the world and is inhabited by some 25,000 animals. Descend 2,000 feet to the crater floor for an unforgettable picnic breakfast, grazing against a backdrop of soaring volcanic slopes. Then embark on a safari through this greenwalled wildlife paradise. Ride past herds of zebra grazing next to flamingos and crowned cranes, look for lionesses stalking their prey, and try to spot a rare black rhino. Return to the lodge for an afternoon at leisure and catch a dazzling sunset over the caldera.

FEATURED LODGE Spend three nights in a stunning tented suite at Sayari Camp (pictured left) in the northern Serengeti. Head out on daily safaris and enjoy a specially arranged breakfast in the bush followed by a private game drive. Extend your trip with a stay at Rubondo Island Camp (see page 8), on an island in Lake Victoria. Encounter a range of rare wildlife on safari by vehicle, foot, or canoe.

NGORONGORO SERENA SAFARI LODGE (B, L, D) CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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MOROCCO

Clusters of carved lanterns light a passage in the Marrakech souk.

Walled clay villages and palaces clad in ornate tiles, colorful medinas where piles of spices and barrels of olives beckon, Berbers that carry on timeless ways of life high in the mountains—this is the enchanting mix that is Morocco. Get an insider’s perspective on this fascinating country, exploring alongside private guides. Wander the ancient lanes of Fez, examine the mosaics at the ancient Roman site of Volubilis, experience Berber hospitality in the High Atlas Mountains, and cap off the trip in magical Marrakech.

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DAY 1 CASABLANCA, MOROCCO/FEZ Arrive in Casablanca, where you’ll be met for a private transfer to your traditional riad in Fès el-Bali—the old walled city of Fez. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the medina at leisure. RIAD MAISON BLEUE (B, D)

DAY 2 FEZ Delve deeper into Fès el-Bali on a private guided

tour of this World Heritage site. Peruse the medina’s ancient maze of covered bazaars and stroll the arcades of Al-Karaouine, the longest continually operating university in the world. Contrast the twisting lanes of the old quarter with the plazas and palaces of the 13th-century Fez el Jdid, or “New Fez.” Admire the opulent entrance to the Royal Palace, the one-time imperial seat of the city. Then take a stroll atop the old town walls, stopping at the Blue Gate to see its intricate mosaic design. RIAD MAISON BLEUE (B, D)

DAY 3 MEKNÈS/VOLUBILIS/RABAT Today, discover two World Heritage sites with a private guide. The medieval walled city of Meknès served as Morocco’s imperial capital in the 17th century and features grand, tiled gateways and mausoleums. Outside the city are the partially excavated Roman ruins of Volubilis. Admire the well-preserved mosaic ﬂoors of this city, dating back to the third century B.C. Arrive in Rabat and step through the spectacular Moorish gate of the oceanfront Kasbah of Ouadaya before visiting the stunning marble Mausoleum of Mohamed V. VILLA MANDARINE (B, L)

DAY 4 HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS Journey into the High Atlas Mountains to the Kasbah du Toubkal, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World and your home for the next two nights. Perched on a hilltop amid the soaring peaks of Toubkal National Park, this stunning retreat was built from the ruins of a

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AFRICA

A camel caravan passes Aït Ben Haddou.

between Marrakech and the Sahara. Within faded and crumbling walls, encounter the unexpected grandeur of the palace’s ornate interior before continuing to the ancient village of Aït Ben Haddou. Meander the narrow lanes lined with adobe houses and meet with a Berber family that calls the village home. KSAR IGHNDA HOTEL (B, L, D)

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

six UNESCO World Heritage sites › Visit with a private guide, from the medina of Marrakech to the historic city of Meknès. in the Kasbah du Toubkal, a National › Stay Geographic Unique Lodge of the World built from the ruins of a medieval kasbah in the High Atlas Mountains. Meet with Berbers living in the ancient › fortiﬁ ed village of Aït Ben Haddou. Fez’s ancient center, a maze of › Discover colorful markets and mosques.

Kasbah du Toubkal

kasbah and celebrates the customs and traditions of the local Berber people. National Geographic guests at the lodge have an exclusive invitation to enjoy a village walk with a local staff member, followed by a traditional mint tea in his or her home. KASBAH DU TOUBKAL (B, L, D)

DAY 7 MARRAKECH Drive to legendary Marrakech, a cultural melting pot of Berber, African, Mediterranean, and Arab influences. Discover hidden neighborhoods as you venture into artisan quarters and souks off the beaten path. Then immerse yourself in the magic of Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s lively main square. Listen to the tales of storytellers, warm up to fireeaters, and delight in the beguiling music of snake charmers as you wander through this enchanting plaza. VILLA DES ORANGERS (B, L) DAY 8 MARRAKECH Visit Marrakech’s cultural and historic highlights on a private full-day city tour. Start at Koutoubia Mosque’s iconic minaret tower and then stroll through the lavish colonnades and courts of the Bahia Palace. Continue to the Saadian Tombs, the final resting place for the Saadian royal family. Pass through the imposing Bab Agnaou Gate, the entrance to the royal Kasbah. End your day at the Majorelle Gardens, a collection of exotic plants set among elegant ornamental ponds and a colorful art deco villa. VILLA DES ORANGERS (B)

DAY 9 MARRAKECH Transfer to the Marrakech airport and catch your ﬂight home. (B)

DAY 5 HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS This morning, set out to explore the slopes of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains. On a range of hikes, walks, and donkey rides, discover a landscape of vast plateaus carved by deep ravines, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. Tonight, settle into the cushions and carpets of the lodge’s traditional restaurant and savor local specialties. KASBAH DU TOUBKAL (B, L, D)

DATES This expedition is available January through June and September through December. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST Apr.–June Sept.–Dec.

6 people or more

$4,495

4 people

$4,795

2 people

$5,495

FEATURED LODGE Immerse yourself in Berber culture during a two-night stay at Kasbah du Toubkal (pictured left), perched amid the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Hike through beautiful alpine scenery, soak up the rhythms of rural life, and join a local resident for a tour of the village and tea in their family home—an outing arranged exclusively for National Geographic guests.

DAY 6 AÏT BEN HADDOU Travel through the canyons of the High Atlas Mountains to the Kasbah Telouet, a deserted fortiﬁcation on an age-old caravan route CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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SOUTH AFRICA

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

marine life—from penguins to › Spot whales—off Africa’s southernmost shores, and stroll through the ﬂowering fynbos of the Cape ﬂoral kingdom. at two spectacular National › Stay Geographic Unique Lodges of the World: Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge and Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Track lions, leopards, and more with › expert guides on a private game reserve. private tours of Cape Town and › Enjoy the Cape Peninsula.

A curious southern right whale surfaces in Walker Bay.

From its dramatic coast to the undulating lowveld where iconic creatures roam, South Africa dazzles with its natural bounty. Get to know captivating Cape Town with a private guide, and explore the seaside landscapes of the Western Cape, blanketed in milkwood forests and exotic wildﬂowers. Then travel to a private game reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park for a thrilling safari experience. DAYS 1–3 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA/CAPE PENINSULA Arrive in Cape Town and explore the Cape Peninsula. Drive down scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive en route to the Cape Point and Boulders Beach. Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and ride a cable car to the summit of Table Mountain. On Robben Island, see Nelson Mandela’s jail cell, and later, explore the multicultural Bo-Kaap neighborhood. (CAPE GRACE HOTEL) DAYS 4–6 GROOTBOS PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE At Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a breathtaking National Geographic Unique Lodge property overlooking wildlife-rich Walker Bay, discover ancient seaside cave dwellings, go whale-watching (June–September), and take guided birding or nature walks. Hike or ride on horseback across coastal slopes blanketed in unusual fynbos blooms. (GROOTBOS GARDEN LODGE) DAYS 7–10 SABI SABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Fly from Cape Town to Kruger National Park and transfer to Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, another National Geographic Unique Lodge. Spend three days on safari in search of Africa’s “big ﬁve,” as well as wild dogs, hyenas, impalas, and much more. Take a bush walk, go birding, and set out on evening game drives. Enjoy an exclusive dinner in the lodge wine cellar featuring an introduction to South African wines. Return home via Johannesburg. (SABI SABI EARTH LODGE) I T I N E R A RY

DATES This expedition is available year-round. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST May–Aug.

Apr. and Sept.–Dec.

6 people or more

$7,995

$8,495

4 people

$8,195

$8,695

2 people

$8,495

$8,995

| 10 DAYS

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to Cape Town and from Johannesburg, and airfare within South Africa, are not included in the expedition cost. Internal ﬂights are $875 (subject to change). For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

FEATURED LODGES Spend three nights at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve (see page 8) in the Western Cape, and enjoy a private dinner in an ancient milkwood forest. During a three-night stay at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge (pictured left), sit down to dinner and a tasting in the lodge’s wine cellar—a National Geographic exclusive. Extend your trip at Tswalu Kalahari (see page 35), spotting rare wildlife on safari.

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AFRICA

KENYA

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Kenya’s majestic wilderness › inExperience three nature reserves run in partnership with local communities. Stay in two National Geographic Unique › Lodges of the World: ol Donyo Lodge and Mara Plains Camp. horseback in the shadow of Mount › Ride Kilimanjaro, and encounter an array of wildlife on day and night safaris and guided bushwalks. acquainted with the culture of the › Get Maasai on visits to local settlements.

Guests at ol Donyo Lodge ride horseback alongside wildlife in the Chyulu Hills.

The rolling plains of Kenya are the essence of East Africa—teeming with herds of zebra and wildebeest, dotted with acacia trees, and inhabited by the intriguing Maasai people. In three diverse protected areas—Chyulu Hills, Laikipia, and the Olare Motorogi Conservancy— discover a breathtaking array of animals far from the crowds and learn ﬁrsthand about efforts to protect them.

DATES This expedition is available year-round except April, October, and November. Choose the dates that work for you. For additional 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST DAYS 1–4 NAIROBI, KENYA/CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK Arrive in Nairobi and ﬂy to Chyulu Hills National Park. Settle into the stunning ol Donyo Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge featuring breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Set out to discover the area’s diverse landscapes, home to some of Africa’s largest bull elephants, as well as giraffes, zebras, lions, and more. (THE BOMA HOTEL/OL DONYO LODGE) DAYS 5–7 LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY/LAIKIPIA REGION Fly to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a model of communitybased conservation. Venture out on bush walks to explore these rolling scrublands, known for their biodiversity. Spend time with the local Maasai, and join Maasai guides on botanical walks. Learn about an ongoing effort to restore East Africa’s black rhino populations. (TASSIA LODGE) DAYS 8–11 OLARE MOTOROGI CONSERVANCY Travel to the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a private concession adjacent to the legendary Masai Mara. Your home here is Mara Plains Camp, an elegant tented lodge co-founded by National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert. On day and nighttime game drives, spot an astounding array of wildlife. As a National Geographic guest, you are invited to join the lodge manager and a Maasai warrior for a private twilight bushwalk. Following your safari experience, ﬂy home via Nairobi. (MARA PLAINS CAMP/THE BOMA HOTEL) I T I N E R A RY

| 11 DAYS

2 people or more

May and Dec. 1–19

June

July–Sept. Dec. 20–31

$10,995

$12,995

$14,995

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to and from Nairobi, and airfare within Kenya, are not included in expedition cost. Internal ﬂights range from $950–$1,750 (subject to change). For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

FEATURED LODGES Settle into ol Donyo Lodge for three nights in the Chyulu Hills. Go on hikes, mountain bike rides, and game drives; and enjoy a morning horseback safari and breakfast in the bush—specially arranged for our guests. At Mara Plains Camp (pictured left), spend three nights in a stunning tented suite and join a Maasai guide for a private twilight bushwalk.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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CHINA

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

the watchtowers on a less› Climb visited section of the Great Wall, and encounter the legendary terra-cotta warriors at Xi’an. alongside local masters to learn › Work traditional Chinese cooking, tai chi, and calligraphy. giant pandas at the Chengdu › Observe Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Gain insider knowledge of Chinese › history and culture on private tours of Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. Autumn colors set off the Great Wall.

Beneath the glittering skyscrapers and expanding skylines, the ancient heart of China endures, a living testament to a long and colorful history. Exploring alongside private guides, uncover the legacy of imperial China at palaces and tombs, fortified cities and revered temples. Wander through gardens and local markets, spend time with artisans and chefs, and get an intimate look at the vibrant culture of China, past and present. DAYS 1–4 BEIJING, CHINA Arrive in Beijing and enjoy a Peking duck dinner. The next day, take a private tour of the city, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Visit with a family in a traditional hutong neighborhood, and try kite-making alongside a local artisan. Spend a day conquering the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, and then enjoy an evening dance performance at the Red Theater. On your last morning in Beijing, take a private tai chi lesson at the Temple of Heaven. (THE ST. REGIS BEIJING/SOFITEL XI’AN ON RENMIN SQUARE) DAYS 5–7 XI’AN/CHENGDU On a private tour of Xi’an, encounter the terra-cotta warriors and practice calligraphy with an expert at the Forest of Steles. Prepare Chinese dumplings alongside local chefs, and enjoy a performance showcasing the music and dance of the Tang dynasty. The next day, walk or bike atop the city’s ancient ramparts before flying to Chengdu. Observe giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and learn mahjong in Wangjianglou Park. (SOFITEL XI’AN ON RENMIN SQUARE/THE ST. REGIS CHENGDU) DAYS 8–10 SHANGHAI On private tours of Shanghai, explore the Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, the Old Shanghai Bazaar, and the Tianzifang neighborhood. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (THE PENINSULA SHANGHAI) I T I N E R A RY

| 10 DAYS

DATES This expedition is available year-round. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST 6 people or more

$4,195

4 people

$4,495

2 people

$4,695

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to Beijing and from Shanghai, and airfare within China, are not included in the expedition cost. Internal ﬂights are $750 (subject to change). For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

A giant panda near Chengdu

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ASIA

BHUTAN

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

a traditional masked folk dance › Enjoy at the Lamperi Royal Botanical Park. Stay at Zhiwa Ling Hotel, and admire › the exquisite Bhutanese architecture and artistry of this National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. the remote Kila Goemba Nunnery › Visit and learn about the spiritual pursuits of its devout residents. a glimpse of rural Bhutanese life › Get on a private tour of Thimphu’s Folk Heritage Museum.

The iconic Takstang Lhakhang, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Ringed by the staggering peaks of the Himalaya, Bhutan is a remote Buddhist kingdom where age-old traditions hold strong. Amid verdant valleys dotted with historic fortresses and shrines, delve into Bhutan’s rich culture with a private guide, discovering how everyday life is intertwined with Mahayana Buddhism. Meet with monks, nuns, farmers, and artisans; take part in ancient rituals; and witness ﬁrsthand the cautious evolution of this tiny kingdom.

DATES This expedition is available year-round except June, July, and August. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST DAYS 1–3 BANGKOK, THAILAND/PARO/THIMPHU, BHUTAN After an overnight stop in Bangkok, land in Paro and travel to Thimphu. Meet your Bhutanese guide, who will travel with you throughout your stay. Take a private tour of the city, including stops at the Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Changangkha Lhakhang Monastery, and a wildlife sanctuary. (NOVOTEL SUVARNBHUMI AIRPORT HOTEL/TAJ TASHI THIMPHU) DAYS 4–5 PUNAKHA Visit Thimphu’s Royal Textile Academy, and then journey to Punakha by way of the Dochu La pass. Continue to the Lamperi Royal Botanical Park for lunch and a masked folk dance. Spend a full day discovering Punakha. Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, explore the Punakha Dzong, and join a chanting ceremony at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Temple. (DHENSA PUNAKHA) DAYS 6–9 PARO/BANGOK, THAILAND Travel through the Paro Valley and visit the Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang Temple. Settle into Zhiwa Ling Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge where you’ll get an exclusive look at Bhutanese traditions. Help bake ritual cakes for deities, join nuns for a drum ceremony, and participate in a butter-lamp offering with monks. Hike to the Kila Goemba Nunnery; experience the majesty of Taktsang Lhakhang—the Tiger’s Nest Monastery—on a hike to the temple or from a scenic viewpoint; and enjoy lunch at a farmer’s house. Fly home via Bangkok. (ZHIWA LING HOTEL) I T I N E R A RY

Apr.–May Sept.–Dec.

| 9 DAYS

4 people or more

$4,995

2 people

$5,495

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to and from Bangkok and between Bangkok and Paro are not included in the expedition cost. The ﬂight to and from Paro is $920 (subject to change). For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

FEATURED LODGE Spend three nights at Zhiwa Ling Hotel (pictured left), intricately built, painted, and carved by artisans and set amid lush gardens near Paro. Immerse yourself in the peaceful customs of the Bhutanese as you linger in the lodge’s ancient temple and meditation house. As a National Geographic guest, you’ll have a special invitation to participate in Mahayana Buddhist rituals with local monks and nuns.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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2/19/16 3:59 PM

VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

an insider’s view of Angkor Wat › Get on a private tour with a Khmer scholar. tai chi on the deck of an › Practice intimate traditional-style junk sailing vessel as the sun rises over Ha Long Bay. the farming villages of the › Explore Mekong Delta via xe loi, a Vietnamese bicycle rickshaw. the contrast between › Experience bustling Ho Chi Minh City and charming Hanoi on private guided tours. Karst islets dot Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay.

From the temples of Angkor to the karst peaks of Ha Long Bay, experience the diverse landscapes and intriguing cultural heritage of Indochina. Immerse yourself in this beautiful land in many different ways: glide past ﬂoating villages on the Mekong in a sampan boat, soak up the atmosphere in ancient temples, and spend two full days among the astonishing Khmer sites of Angkor. Along the way, get acquainted with local culture during a water-puppet show, a cooking lesson, and visits to artisan villages.

DATES This expedition is available January through March and October through December. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquires please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST Oct.–Dec.

I T I N E R A RY | 10 DAYS DAYS 1–4 HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM/MEKONG DELTA Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and take a private tour, visiting the Opera House, the Hôtel de Ville, the Central Post Office, and the Reunification Palace. Cruise the Mekong on a sampan boat, and explore the shores by bicycle rickshaw. Venture into the Cu Chi tunnels, an underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Later, fly to Hanoi. (CARAVELLE SAIGON) DAYS 5–7 HANOI/HA LONG BAY Take a walking tour through Hanoi’s lively old quarter and enjoy an evening water-puppetry performance. Set sail across Ha Long Bay on a traditional-style junk, marveling at the spectacular karst geology as you navigate caves and floating villages. Prepare local dishes with the boat’s chef, and practice tai chi on deck at sunrise. Fly to Siem Reap. (HOTEL METROPOLE HANOI/HALONG VIOLET/BELMOND LA RÉSIDENCE D’ANGKOR) DAYS 8–10 SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA/ANGKOR Enjoy two full days to explore Angkor. Visit the temples of Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei, and wander the walled city of Angkor Thom. Join a Khmer scholar for a private tour of the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex. Observe traditional Khmer craftsmen in Siem Reap before your flight home. (BELMOND LA RÉSIDENCE D’ANGKOR)

4 people or more

$5,295

2 people

$5,495

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to travel dates. International airfare to Ho Chi Minh City and from Siem Reap, and airfare within Vietnam and Cambodia, are not included in the expedition cost. Internal ﬂights are $500 (subject to change). For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

A traveler explores a temple at Banteay Srei, Cambodia.

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ASIA

MONGOLIA

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

a ﬁrsthand look at the everyday › Get life of Mongolian nomads at a Gobi camel-herding camp. in a ger—a traditional Mongolian › Stay tent—at Three Camel Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World set amid the Gobi’s vast desert landscapes. dinosaur fossils with › Examine paleontologists at a lab in Ulaanbaatar. to the mesmerizing sounds › Listen of khoomi throat singing during a traditional dance performance. Bactrian camels ascend a Gobi dune.

The timeless spirit of Mongolia can be found amid its rolling steppe and endless deserts. Embrace the intriguing way of life of Mongolia’s nomads as you explore the soaring Altay Mountains, spot wild horses on the steppe, and traverse the Gobi’s undulating dunes. In Ulaanbaatar, go behind the scenes at a paleontology lab, and visit museums and monasteries with a private guide. Then head into the countryside to sleep in the serenity of a traditional ger tent and spend time with nomadic families.

DATES This expedition is available May 15 through October 25. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST May 15–Oct. 25

I T I N E R A RY | 10 DAYS DAYS 1–4 ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA/HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and take a private tour of the city. Visit the Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, and the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art; and join paleontologists at a local laboratory to examine dinosaur fossils. Travel across the sweeping steppe of Hustai National Park in search of takhis, or wild horses. See the Neolithic graves of the Ongud, and meet with a nomadic family before returning to Ulaanbaatar. (SHANGRI-LA ULAANBATAAR/HS KHAAN RESORT HOTEL) DAYS 5–8 GOBI DESERT Fly to the Gobi and travel through the wildlife-rich Gegeet Valley en route to the Altay Mountains. Climb the “singing” sand dunes of Khongoryn Els, visit the camp of a nomadic camel-herding family, and explore the desert town of Bulgan. Settle into a ger at Three Camel Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge. Hike through the ice-clad canyons of Yolyn Am, see the “ﬁghting dinosaur” fossils at Tugrigiin Shiree, and trek below the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag in search of dinosaur eggs and bones. (TENTED GER CAMP/THREE CAMEL LODGE) DAYS 9–10 ULAANBAATAR Return to Ulaanbaatar to visit the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan and enjoy a throat-singing performance. Depart for home the following day. (SHANGRI-LA ULAANBATAAR)

6 people or more

$7,295

4 people

$7,495

2 people

$7,695

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to and from Ulaanbaatar, and airfare within Mongolia, are not included in the expedition cost. Internal ﬂights are $450 (subject to change). For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

FEATURED LODGE Your home for three nights in the Gobi is a traditional ger at Three Camel Lodge (pictured left). Spend your days exploring the wild geology of the desert and learning the culture of its nomads, then return to the serenity of your stunning, hand-crafted dwelling. National Geographic guests have the opportunity to join the chef for a cooking class or take a night walk with an astronomy expert.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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SWITZERLAND

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

through stunning Alpine › Wind landscapes aboard two scenic railways— the Goldenpass Panoramic and the Glacier Express. the Mont Blanc massif via cable › Ascend car, and witness the iconic Matterhorn towering over Zermatt. into underground bunkers › Descend below the Sasso San Gottardo, a oncesecret World War II-era fortiﬁcation. out on private tours of Geneva, › Set Zermatt, and Lucerne.

The jagged summit of the Matterhorn looms above surrounding Alpine peaks.

Amid Switzerland’s emerald meadows and majestic mountains, the everyday is made extraordinary, with awe-inspiring backdrops framing nearly every scene. Take in some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes from Gruyères to Zermatt, zip through the Alps on the legendary Glacier Express, and explore alpine villages and historic towns with a private guide. Along the way, discover a culture that runs deeper than the cheese, clocks, and chocolate for which Switzerland is so well known. DAYS 1–2 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND/CHAMONIX, FRANCE Land in Geneva and take a private tour, seeing the headquarters of the Red Cross, the United Nations Office at the Palais des Nations, and the Old Town before joining a boat cruise on Lake Geneva. The next day, explore the picturesque Alpine town of Chamonix, located at the foot of Mont Blanc. Ascend the massif via cable car and take in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the Mer de Glace Glacier. (HOTEL EAST WEST) DAYS 3–5 GRUYÈRES, SWITZERLAND/GOLDENPASS PANORAMIC/ZERMATT Drive to the medieval village of Gruyères and tour La Maison du Gruyères cheese factory. Journey through the spectacular mountain landscapes of western Switzerland aboard the Goldenpass Panoramic. Arrive in Zermatt and take a private walking tour of the town, nestled beneath the iconic Matterhorn. (HOTEL GSTAADERHOF SWISS/HOTEL ALEX) DAYS 6–8 GLACIER EXPRESS/ SASSO SAN GOTTARDO/LUCERNE Climb aboard the world-famous Glacier Express for a breathtaking journey into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Disembark in Andermatt and travel with a private guide to Sasso San Gottardo to explore its World War II fortiﬁcations, including an extensive tunnel system. In the lakeside town of Lucerne, enjoy a private tour as well as time to discover the walled medieval city on your own. Transfer to Zurich for your ﬂight home. (HOTEL DES BALANCES) I T I N E R A RY

DATES This expedition is available June 15 through October. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST June 15–Oct. 31

| 8 DAYS

6 people or more

$5,995

4 people

$6,595

2 people

$8,595

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to Geneva and from Zurich is not included in the expedition cost. For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

The Glacier Express

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EUROPE

GREECE

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

ancient Athenian ruins and › Explore Cape Sóunio’s Temple of Poseidon with private guides. in stunning cave dwellings at › Stay Kapari Natural Resort, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World perched above Santorini’s caldera. Alongside a private guide, visit the › Palace of Knossos, the ancient capital of Minoan Crete. sail on the Aegean, seeing › Set Santorini’s sugar-cube villages and an epic sunset from the shimmering sea. The sunset from Santorini’s Kapari Natural Resort

Ancient myths come to life on the shores of Greece, where the Aegean laps up against the relics of a great empire. Enjoy the insights of a private guide as you explore temple ruins in Athens and visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos in Crete. Spend an afternoon on a sailboat, take an optional cooking class, and enjoy free time to wander through galleries or watch the harbor from a waterfront café. Conclude your journey with three nights on incomparable Santorini.

DATES This expedition is available May through October. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST May–Oct.

DAYS 1–2 ATHENS, GREECE Upon arrival in Athens, take a tour of the city that includes the Temple of Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, and the Acropolis. Then spend the rest of the day at the new Acropolis Museum, home to nearly 4,000 artifacts. After a free morning, explore the ancient ruins of Cape Sóunio’s Temple of Poseidon with a private guide. (ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL ATHENS) DAYS 3–5 CRETE Fly to Crete, and join a private guide for a visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Take a private tour of Heraklion and then browse its impressive collection of Minoan art. Settle into your seaside resort near Agios Nikolaos and enjoy a day at leisure, or take an optional excursion to a nearby village for a private Cretan cooking class. Board a traditional ﬁshing vessel and travel to the island of Spinalonga to tour this former leper colony with a private guide. (ST. NICOLAS BAY RESORT HOTEL & VILLAS) DAYS 6–9 SANTORINI Take the ferry to Santorini, and settle into the Kapari Natural Resort. As a National Geographic guest, you’ll enjoy a private outing to a local farm and meet its owner. The next day, take a guided tour of the island. Visit the lighthouse at Akrotiri, peek in the Monastery of the Prophet Elijah in Pyrgos, and explore charming Oia. Spend the following morning at leisure, and then join a sailing excursion on the Aegean. Transfer to the Santorini airport for your ﬂight home. (KAPARI NATURAL RESORT) I T I N E R A RY

| 9 DAYS

6 people or more

$6,295

4 people

$6,495

2 people

$6,995

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to Athens and from Santorini, and airfare within Greece, are not included in expedition cost. Internal ﬂights are $165 (subject to change). For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

FEATURED LODGE At Kapari Natural Resort (pictured left) on Santorini, settle into an age-old cave dwelling with extraordinary views. During your threenight stay, experience ﬁne Cycladic cuisine and hospitality, and enjoy a specially arranged visit to a local farm. Extend your trip at Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas (see page 9), set amid the dramatic gorges of Greece’s Pindos Mountains.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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2/19/16 4:13 PM

ITALY

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

local guides on private tours of › Join ﬁve UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities, including Venice, Rome, and Florence. local cuisine at a vineyard in › Savor Tuscany and on a private gastronomic tour of Bologna. into Siena on a special visit to one › Delve of its 17 contrade—districts with distinct governments and customs. to Venice’s northern islands › Sail and watch artisans create colorful glassware and handcrafted lace. The Rialto Bridge spans Venice’s Grand Canal.

The treasures of Italy are both iconic and enchanting: ancient ruins encircled by vibrant city streets, rolling vineyards crowned by medieval hilltop towns, gondolas bobbing in turquoise canals. Get an intimate look at these Italian classics on a journey from Venice through the heart of Tuscany to Rome. Enjoy a private cruise to Murano and Burano, spend time on a family farm near San Gimignano, and take advantage of time on your own to soak up the magic of Italy. DAYS 1–3 VENICE, ITALY/BOLOGNA Arrive in Venice and take a private tour of its promenades and canals, visiting the Basilica di San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Bridge. Cruise to the northern Venetian islands to see one of Murano’s oldest glassblowing factories and the lace workshops in Burano. Travel to Bologna and take a gastronomy tour of this culinary capital, visiting markets and sampling local specialties. Continue to Florence by train. (PALAZZO GIOVANELLI/HOTEL RIVOLI) DAYS 4–6 FLORENCE/SAN GIMIGNANO/SIENA Enjoy a private walking tour of Florence and its celebrated sites: Piazza Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio. Afterwards, opt to take a class at the Italian Cordon Bleu Cooking School. Travel into the Tuscan countryside to explore medieval San Gimignano before lunch at a nearby vineyard. Discover the splendors of Siena on a private tour of its Gothic center, and spend time in one of its contrade, or city districts. (HOTEL RIVOLI/PALAZZO RAVIZZA) DAYS 7–9 ROME Drive to the Eternal City and take a private tour of its historical center, stopping at the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. The next day, visit the Colosseum and the ancient Forum before crossing into Vatican City to see the magniﬁcent St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Depart for home the following day. (HOTEL PARCO DEI PRINCIPI) I T I N E R A RY

| 9 DAYS

DATES This expedition is available year-round. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST 6 people or more

$6,995

4 people

$7,995

2 people

$8,995

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to Venice and from Rome is not included in the expedition cost. For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

Florence’s Duomo at twilight.

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2/19/16 10:50 AM

EUROPE

SPAIN

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Visit ﬁve UNESCO World Heritage › sites, from Granada’s Alhambra fortress to the magniﬁcent mosques and palaces of Córdoba’s old town. out on a Gaudí-themed bicycle tour › Set of Barcelona. Toledo’s well-preserved › Explore medieval center—and the El Greco masterpieces it harbors—alongside a private guide. tapas during a private › Sample walking tour of Barcelona, and learn to prepare paella with a local chef during a private cooking class. Gaudí’s creations at Parc Güell frame a view of Barcelona.

Discover the many sides of Spain on a journey from modern and bustling Madrid to the sunsplashed plazas of Andalusia and the fabled streets of Barcelona. Delve into captivating cities shaped by the likes of Roman conquerors and proud Catalans; gain insight into some of the world’s most spectacular architectural feats, including Moorish palaces and Gaudí’s revered Sagrada Familia; and join the locals to experience the music, art, and cuisine of Spain firsthand. DAYS 1–3 MADRID, SPAIN/TOLEDO Arrive in Madrid and spend an afternoon at leisure. The next day, set out on a private city tour, stopping to visit the Gran Via and the Royal Palace. Take a day trip to Toledo, and discover its Moorish influences while strolling the wellpreserved old town with a private guide. (HOTEL WELLINGTON) DAYS 4–6 CÓRDOBA/SEVILLE/ GRANADA Board a train to Córdoba, and head into its historic center. Step into an enchanting maze of arches and mosaics in the Mezquita–a mosque built within a former cathedral–and then wander through the narrow lanes of the enchanting Jewish quarter. Continue to Seville to see the old town via horse-drawn carriage, visiting its grand plazas and the magnificent cathedral. In Granada, meet a private guide for a tour of the spectacular Alhambra, one of the world’s greatest examples of Moorish architecture. (HOTEL GRAN MELIA COLON/HOTEL VILLA ONIRIA) DAYS 7–10 BARCELONA Fly to Barcelona and spend three full days discovering this vibrant city. Enjoy a private tour of the labryinthine Gothic quarter and visit Gaudí’s iconic architectural works—including his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia—on a private bicycle tour. Prepare regional specialties like paella and gazpacho alongside a local chef, and, weather permitting, join a catamaran cruise to see the city from the water.* (GALLERY HOTEL) I T I N E R A RY

| 10 DAYS

DATES This expedition is available year-round. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST 6 people or more

$6,495

4 people

$7,495

2 people

$9,995

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to Madrid and from Barcelona, and airfare within Spain, are not included in expedition cost. Internal ﬂights are $150 (subject to change). For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website. *The catamaran cruise is offered from May through September. During other months, travelers will take in aerial views of Barcelona while riding the Montjuïc Cable Car.

The Generalife gardens, adjacent to Granada’s Alhambra

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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2/19/16 5:33 PM

ALASKA

The ice-clad peak of Denali rises high above a country road.

Venture into the heart of Alaska, discovering remote corners of the far north explored by few others on Earth. Delve into the backcountry of Denali National Park and Preserve, and experience the wilds of the historic Iditarod Trail from your base at a stunning National Geographic Unique Lodge. Explore the rugged peaks and tundra valleys of the Alaska Range, seeking out moose and grizzly bears with a seasoned naturalist and taking in views of Denali’s lofty summit. Then see these epic landscapes from unique vantage points—on a scenic train ride and, if you wish, on a helicopter ﬂightseeing experience.

I T I N E R A RY

| 8 DAYS

DAY 1 FAIRBANKS, ALASKA Arrive in Fairbanks and transfer to your hotel on the edge of the Chena River. Pay a visit to the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North, which features exhibitions on Alaska's biological diversity and cultural traditions. PIKE’S WATERFRONT LODGE

DAY 2 DENALI NATIONAL PARK Travel to Denali National Park and Preserve via private vehicle. Upon arrival, board a shared shuttle to your lodge, located deep in the heart of the Denali backcountry. This scenic journey lasts six hours and provides ample opportunities for spotting wildlife such as moose and herds of caribou. Settle into your lodge in Kantishna, where guides will brief you on the variety of available wilderness activities, customized for

every activity level. KANTISHNA ROADHOUSE OR DENALI BACKCOUNTRY LODGE (B, D)

DAY 3 DENALI NATIONAL PARK Explore the wilds of Denali, joining the lodge excursions of your choice. Set out on a hike in the Kantishna Hills alongside a naturalist, learning about the tundra’s flora and fauna and taking in spectacular mountain views. You may also wish to discover these stunning landscapes by mountain bike, pedaling along old mining roads or riding to the mirror-like waters of Wonder Lake. Other available excursions include fly-fishing, panning for gold, and wildlife viewing. KANTISHNA ROADHOUSE OR DENALI BACKCOUNTRY LODGE (B, D)

DAY 4 DENALI STAR/TALKEETNA Rise early to catch the lodge shuttle back to the park entrance. From here, independently board

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NORTH AMERICA

Winterlake Lodge

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Aboard the Denali Star, wind through the › majestic valleys of the Alaska Range. at Winterlake Lodge, a National › Stay Geographic Unique Lodge of the World set along the historic Iditarod Trail, and enjoy an exclusive dogsledding demonstration. or bike through Denali National Park’s › Hike backcountry with a naturalist guide. wild ingredients for a frontier› Forage fusion cooking demonstration.

The Denali Star

the Denali Star for a scenic train ride through the Alaska wilderness. Settle into a first-class cabin, and take in magnificent scenery through the domed, panoramic windows of the top deck. Glide across rugged landscapes blanketed in stately spruce and magnificent purple fireweed and intersected by shimmering salmon streams. Disembark in Talkeetna and transfer to your hotel, which offers views of Denali’s lofty peak— the highest in North America.

opportunity arranged exclusively for National Geographic guests. Kayak across the lake to meet up with this historic trail, and learn about the pioneers who forged its path through the wilderness. You’ll also meet some huskies from the lodge’s dog-mushing school and watch a dogsled demonstration. After lunch, hike to Red Lake for a ﬂy-ﬁshing lesson, learn about wild edibles and forage with your guide, or relax by the lake. Return to Winterlake for the nightly wine tasting and a dinner featuring the award-winning cuisine of Chef Kirsten Dixon. WINTERLAKE LODGE (B, L, D)

DAY 6 WINTERLAKE LODGE: SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA WILDERNESS This morning, join a yoga class if you wish. Then venture out into south-central Alaska’s trailfree backcountry with an expert guide and hike to the top of Wolverine Ridge, where you’ll be rewarded with views of Denali’s summit. Explore the surrounding tundra, seeking out grizzly bears, wolves, and arctic ptarmigan birds. Return to the lodge for a frontier-fusion cooking demonstration. For an additional cost, you can also choose to board a helicopter that will whisk you away to a remote patch of wilderness for some alpine hiking, glacier trekking, white-water rafting, or ﬂyﬁshing. This evening, take a kayak or boat out onto the lake for wildlife viewing, or attend a talk by a naturalist. WINTERLAKE LODGE (B, L, D) DAY 7 ANCHORAGE Fly to Anchorage and take a private city tour, including a stop at the acclaimed Alaska Native Heritage Center. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. HOTEL CAPTAIN COOK (B)

2016 EXPEDITION COST June 3–Sept. 11

4 people or more

$7,995

2 people

$8,495

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. Airfare to Fairbanks and from Anchorage, and airfare within Alaska, are not included in the expedition cost. The internal ﬂight cost for this trip is available when you make your booking.

DAY 8 ANCHORAGE Transfer to the Anchorage airport, and catch your ﬂight home. (B)

TALKEETNA ALASKAN LODGE (B, L)

DAY 5 WINTERLAKE LODGE: SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA WILDERNESS Board a ﬂoatplane to Winterlake Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World perched on the edge of a lake along the Iditarod Trail and accessible only by air. Settle into your split pine cabin and immerse yourself in Alaska’s breathtaking backcountry. Join a guide for an afternoon dedicated to the Iditarod, an CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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DATES This expedition is available June 3 through September 11. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

FEATURED LODGE Enjoy an authentic Alaska backcountry experience during two nights at Winterlake Lodge (pictured left). Fly-ﬁsh, hike, and get an exclusive introduction to dogsledding on the Iditarod Trail. Extend your trip with a stay at Tutka Bay Lodge (see page 9), on the shores of the Kenai Peninsula. Kayak into fjords, explore lush forests, and join an award-winning chef in the kitchen.

2/22/16 11:10 AM

COSTA RICA

Travelers stroll through the rain forest canopy on hanging bridges near Arenal Volcano.

The flourishing jungles of Costa Rica are serene and untouched, punctuated by the iridescent blue flash of a morpho butterfly, the mist of a waterfall, or the rhythmic call of a howler monkey. Discover the incredible biodiversity hidden under the canopies of three distinct rain forests, exploring with top naturalist guides. Ride white water through lush river canyons and fly tree to tree on zip lines strung through the forests of Limón. Survey leafy treetops from the peak of a dormant volcano in the northern highlands. Then head into the coastal primary forests of the Osa Peninsula to discover a magnificent array of wild species.

I T I N E R A RY

| 9 DAYS

DAY 1 SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA Arrive in San José and transfer to your downtown hotel. On this evening at leisure, consider visiting the old town for a look at the city’s colonial architecture. HOTEL GRANO DE ORO

DAY 2 PACUARE RIVER Venture into the Costa Rican jungle on your

way to the secluded Pacuare Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge accessible only via the Pacuare River. Conquer the rapids with fellow guests on a rafting trip through black-rock canyons blanketed in emerald-green ferns and mosses. Or opt to cross the river via hanging gondola. Unwind and unplug in a true jungle sanctuary, where dinners are lit by candle and travel is done by boat, foot, or zip line. PACUARE LODGE (B, L, D)

DAY 3 PACUARE RIVER Join an early morning birding walk in the rain forest to spot toucans, bright hummingbirds, and many other species in the leafy canopy. This afternoon, choose one of two options: go on a rain forest hike to a Cabécar rancho (thatched house) and meet with the son of a traditional shaman. Or embark on a canopy adventure that will send you soaring along a series of zip lines strung through the treetops surrounding your lodge. PACUARE LODGE (B, L, D) DAYS 4 AND 5 PACUARE RIVER/ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK This morning, head out on one last white-water rafting adventure. Or depart for the northern highlands right after breakfast, allowing for an evening at leisure in Arenal Volcano National Park. Settle into your lodge and soak in its private hot springs, naturally heated by the mighty Arenal Volcano that rises up before you.

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NORTH AMERICA

A scarlet macaw

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

through the treetops on a guided › Venture canopy walk in the lush forests near Arenal. at Lapa Rios Eco Lodge and Pacuare › Stay Lodge, both National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World tucked within pristine Costa Rican rain forests. Trek deep into the jungle to meet with a › family of Cabécar Indians. the unsurpassed biodiversity of › Explore the Osa Peninsula with a naturalist.

DAY 7 OSA PENINSULA Explore the unmatched biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula’s rain forests, beaches, and waters on a variety of naturalist-led group excursions. Swim beneath rushing waterfalls, learn about the medicinal uses of local plants, discover diverse marine life in one of the world’s only tropical fjords, or follow the sounds of nocturnal wildlife through the nighttime jungle. Spot white-faced capuchin monkeys, poison dart frogs, sloths, and the occasional coati. LAPA RIOS ECO LODGE (B, L, D)

DAY 8 OSA PENINSULA Enjoy a full day to explore the area on a variety of excursions. Learn about the lodge’s innovative sustainability efforts with naturalists. Visit a local school built with lodge funding. Plant a seedling in an area of secondary rain forest growth, or simply relax with a book in a hammock on your terrace. As a National Geographic traveler, you’ll be invited to join a naturalist on a private hike along a forest stream to a stunning waterfall. Swim in the fall’s crystal-clear natural pool and then enjoy a memorable lunch in the forest canopy, overlooking the waterfall from high above. You may also choose to take an optional day trip to nearby Corcovado National Park. LAPA RIOS ECO LODGE (B, L, D)

A bungalow at Lapa Rios Eco Lodge

The following day, get a monkey’s-eye view of the rain forest on a guided two-mile walk through the treetops. Traverse a series of hanging bridges, getting close-up views of the unique ecosystem of the jungle canopy. Then head to La Fortuna Waterfall, which tumbles some 200 feet into a gem-colored natural pool. Take a refreshing dip before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

DAY 9 OSA PENINSULA/SAN JOSÉ Rise with the sun to catch a vivid display of bird activity in the budding light of dawn. The endemic black-cheeked ant tanager and the endangered scarlet macaw are but two of the rare birds among the area’s 300-plus avian species. Later, drive to Puerto Jiménez and ﬂy to San José to connect with your ﬂight home. (B)

ARENAL SPRINGS RESORT AND SPA (B; B, L)

DAY 6 SAN JOSÉ/OSA PENINSULA Transfer to the San José airport and catch a ﬂight to the Osa Peninsula. Your home for the next three nights is Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge celebrated for its wildlife conservation efforts in the surrounding region. From your bungalow, enjoy spectacular views of the shimmering waters where the Paciﬁc Ocean meets the Golfo Dulce. LAPA RIOS ECO LODGE (B, L, D)

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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DATES This expedition is available year-round. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquires please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST May–Oct.

Apr. and Nov.–Dec.

4 people or more

$3,895

$4,595

2 people

$4,195

$4,795

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to travel dates. International airfare to and from San José, and airfare within Costa Rica, are not included in the expedition cost. Internal ﬂights are $340 (subject to change).

FEATURED LODGES Raft into the jungle to Pacuare Lodge (pictured left), and spend two nights in a thatched bungalow. Explore with top guides and enjoy an exclusive visit with members of an isolated indigenous culture. On the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios Eco Lodge (see above) offers access to pristine rain forest and remote beaches. During a three-night stay, you’ll be treated to a private waterfall hike and a special lunch among the treetops.

2/19/16 4:49 PM

PERU

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Still shrouded in the mysteries of Inca civilization, Peru’s Sacred Valley is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, dramatic landscapes, and Andean villages that still cling to age-old traditions. Starting in magical Cusco, trace the legacy of the Inca all the way to their crowning achievement: the citadel of Machu Picchu. Immerse yourself in this enchanting land, meeting artisans and farmers and getting acquainted with daily life in the Andes. Stay in a historic manor house, go stargazing high in the mountains, and enjoy two full days to explore Machu Picchu and its environs. I T I N E R A RY

| 9 DAYS

DAY 1 CUSCO, PERU Fly via Lima to Cusco, the gateway to Peru’s Inca heartland. Settle into Inkaterra La Casona, a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. Enjoy an exclusive architectural tour of this restored 16thcentury manor, once home to Simón Bolívar. Take the rest of the day to relax or explore Cusco’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. INKATERRA LA CASONA

DAY 2 CUSCO Uncover the many layers of Cusco’s vivid history on a private tour of the city. Visit the Iglesia de Santo Domingo and La Catedral—churches that showcase a fusion of pre-Columbian and colonial design. Get introduced to the marvels of Inca architecture at the staggering ruins of Sacsayhuaman, and absorb the vibrancy of Peruvian culture in the Plaza de Armas, the festive central square. In the afternoon, explore this fascinating city further at your leisure.

DAY 3 SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA Begin your three-day journey through the Sacred Valley of the Inca. In Awanacancha, learn about Andean textiles at a private weaving demonstration. Traditional weaving and wooldying practices have been recently revived thanks to the efforts of National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa, a master weaver native to the valley. Test your bargaining skills in the colorful stalls of Pisac’s famous market and visit the studio of an artist who uses ancient Peruvian ceramic techniques. Continue to Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, a Unique Lodge of the World perched on the emerald slopes of the Sacred Valley. This evening, join the lodge bartender in the hacienda’s cozy lounge for an exclusive lesson on how to make the perfect pisco sour, Peru’s national drink. INKATERRA HACIENDA URUBAMBA (B, L)

INKATERRA LA CASONA (B)

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SOUTH AMERICA

A traditional weaver in the Sacred Valley

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

the secrets of incomparable › Discover Machu Picchu with a private guide. Stay in three spectacular National › Geographic Unique Lodges of the World: Inkaterra La Casona, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. local artisans at work during Andean › Watch weaving and ceramics demonstrations. Patakancha to learn about › Visit everyday life in Andean villages.

on the Inca Trail with a private guide (this option must be reserved in advance so that permits can be secured). Hike through lesser-known Inca ruins to the famous Sun Gate, where you can take in your ﬁrst views of Machu Picchu. Your home for the next two nights is Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge nestled within its own private rain forest reserve just below the citadel. At twilight, stroll through the grounds with a lodge guide to hear the sounds of the rain forest. INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO HOTEL (B, D)

DAY 7 MACHU PICCHU Rise early to catch a dazzling sunrise over Machu Picchu. During a tour of the ruins with a private guide, learn about the Incas’ incredible construction feats and day-to-day life in the ancient city. Spend the rest of the day on your own, immersed in the magic of this mysterious and awe-inspiring site. INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO HOTEL (B, D)

DAY 8 MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO Go on a guided nature walk through the lush grounds of the lodge, where hundreds of orchid, bird, and butterﬂy species make their home. Enjoy a private guided visit to the lodge’s spectacled bear rehabilitation program before traveling back to Cusco, where you have another free afternoon to explore. INKATERRA LA CASONA (B)

An endangered spectacled bear

DAYS 4 AND 5 SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA Follow the Sacred Valley’s most scenic roads, passing through a patchwork of verdant ﬁelds set beneath snowcapped peaks. See the terraced remains of impressive Inca agriculture systems at Chinchero and Moray. Then visit the white salt mines stacked on the slopes of Maras. The next day, explore the town of Ollantaytambo, where colonial buildings were erected upon the original Inca street plan. This afternoon, learn about everyday life in the Andean village of Patakancha.

DAY 9 CUSCO/LIMA Fly from Cusco to Lima, the capital of Peru. Tour the cathedral and other colonial buildings of the historic center, a World Heritage site, and examine pre-Columbian treasures at the Larco Herrera Museum. This afternoon, transfer back to the airport to catch your ﬂight home. (B)

INKATERRA HACIENDA URUBAMBA (B, L DAILY)

DAY 6 MACHU PICCHU Make your way to Machu Picchu, the renowned 15th-century Inca citadel rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from the National Geographic Society. Choose to take the scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes). Or disembark early for an optional trek CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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DATES This expedition is available year-round. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquires please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST 6 people or more

$4,895

4 people

$5,095

2 people

$5,995

FEATURED LODGES Spend every night of your trip at a Unique Lodge: Inkaterra La Casona (pictured left), a historic mansion in Cusco’s old town; Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, a colonial-style estate in the Sacred Valley of the Inca; and Inkaterra Machu Picchu (see page 9), whose adobe casitas are tucked in the jungle just below the iconic Inca site. At each lodge, you’ll enjoy an experience arranged exclusively for our guests.

2/19/16 11:43 AM

PATAGONIA

Travelers take in a panorama of peaks in Torres del Paine National Park.

The wilds of Patagonia stretch from the ice ﬁelds of Argentina to the fjords of Chile, spanning twisted granite peaks, sweeping steppe, and pristine glacial valleys. On a variety of excursions by foot, horseback, and 4x4, take in the region’s most spectacular scenery, from the imposing spires of Monte Fitz Roy and the Paine Massif to the calving Perito Moreno Glacier and its iceberg-dotted laguna. Delve deeper into these unspoiled landscapes to discover hidden turquoise lakes and rushing waterfalls, and get to know the culture of the horsemen who call Patagonia home.

I T I N E R A RY

| 10 DAYS

DAY 1 BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the fashionable Recoleta district. Spend the day at leisure, exploring the area’s galleries and museums or relaxing at an inviting sidewalk café. Alternatively, go on an optional private tour of the city that takes you through the Plaza de Maya in the center of the

historical district, into the antique shops of the traditional San Telmo neighborhood, and along the rainbow-colored houses of La Boca. MIO BUENOS AIRES

DAYS 2 AND 3 EL CHALTÉN/MONTE FITZ ROY Fly to El Calafate in the southern Andes and take a scenic drive to El Chaltén, situated at the northern edge of Los Glaciares National Park. The following day, trek beneath the dramatic

ice-clad spires of the Fitz Roy Massif with a private guide. Watch for rare bird species like the Patagonian parrot and red-crested woodpecker while passing through lenga forests, and take in spectacular views over the valley of the Vueltas River. Your destination is the Laguna del los Tres, a turquoise lake framed by the jagged granite peaks of Monte Fitz Roy. Circle the shoreline for views over the nearby Laguna Súcia, and then enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to El Chaltén for an evening at leisure. HOSTERIA SENDEROS (B, L DAILY)

DAYS 4 AND 5 EL CALAFATE/PERITO MORENO GLACIER Return to El Calafate and enjoy time to explore the charming town center on your own. Spend the next day discovering the magniﬁcent natural displays of the Perito Moreno Glacier. This continually advancing mass regularly calves great chunks of ice into Lake Argentino, the enormous

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2/19/16 5:36 PM

SOUTH AMERICA

The La Boca neighborhood in Buenos Aires

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Join a private guide for a hike beneath the › iconic Fitz Roy Massif in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. at the stunning Tierra Patagonia, a › Stay National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World located on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park. the powerful calving of the › Observe Perito Moreno Glacier. a working ranch to meet gauchos › Visit and learn about their everyday life.

A pool with a view at Tierra Patagonia

freshwater reserve at its base. View the glacier’s rugged face from nearby walkways, and then join a boat cruise on the surrounding waters for a different perspective.

DAY 7 TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK Venture into Torres del Paine National Park today and choose from a variety of ways to explore, including hiking, walking, and 4x4 or horsebackriding excursions. Encounter the sapphire waters of Laguna Azul and the rushing cascade of the Salto Grande waterfall, and trek to a mountaintop for vistas overlooking the twisting pinnacles of the Torres del Paine. Along the way, keep an eye out for some of the area’s resident creatures, including eagles; condors; foxes; and ñandú, an indigenous type of ostrich. TIERRA PATAGONIA (B, L, D) DAY 8 TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK Delve further into the park on an excursion of your choosing. Hike to iceberg-dotted Grey Lake, climb rocky peaks for spectacular views of karst cornices, or take a leisurely walk through the heart of the park’s carved terrain. Ride horseback alongside local gauchos across sweeping glacial valleys, enjoying views of the iconic Paine Massif along the way. Or visit a nearby working estancia, or ranch, and tour the property to learn about everyday life in Patagonia. TIERRA PATAGONIA (B, L, D) DAY 9 TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK Spend a ﬁnal day exploring Torres del Paine, setting out on one last excursion into the wilds of Patagonia. Or just enjoy the comfort of your lodge, relaxing in its state-of-the-art spa while taking in stunning views of the sparkling Lake Sarmiento, framed by snow-dusted peaks. TIERRA PATAGONIA (B, L, D)

DAY 10 PUNTAS ARENAS This morning transfer to Punta Arenas, where you’ll catch your ﬂight home. (B)

DATES This expedition is available September through April. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST Sept.–Dec.

4 people or more

$7,295

2 people

$7,795

LOS SAUCES CASA PATAGÓNICA (B, L DAILY)

DAY 6 TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK A scenic drive brings you to Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll settle into Tierra Patagonia, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World perched at the edge of Lake Sarmiento. National Geographic travelers will receive a book about the property and take an exclusive architecture tour of this award-winning structure, getting an insider’s perspective on the cutting-edge design techniques used to merge its form with the surrounding landscape. TIERRA PATAGONIA (B, L, D)

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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FEATURED LODGE During four nights at Tierra Patagonia (pictured left), explore the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park with top guides, enjoy excellent cuisine and a world-class spa, and learn about the lodge’s cutting-edge design on a private behind-the-scenes tour. Extend your trip with a stay at Tierra Atacama (see page 9) and discover the otherworldly moonscapes and volcanoes of the Atacama Desert.

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MORE PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS

A purple-bibbed whitetip hummingbird

ECUADOR

Guests at Zarafa Camp observe an elephant.

BOTSWANA

7 DAYS

10 DAYS

Blanketed by lush tropical forests, Ecuador is a small country that packs a big punch when it comes to biodiversity. High in the Andes, discover volcanic craters, fertile valleys, and sparkling lakes via foot, bike, and horseback. Then descend into the Chocó rain forest to encounter a breathtaking array of ﬂora and fauna on guided nature walks through some of the country’s most pristine jungle.

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is the ideal wildlife sanctuary: a farreaching network of ﬂood plains and shimmering lagoons nearly devoid of human presence. Discover the region on open-vehicle game drives and canoe safaris, seeking out rare and endangered species, including African wild dogs and blue wildebeests. Cap off your visit exploring thunderous Victoria Falls with a private guide.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

all manner of wildlife from your glass-walled room at › Observe Mashpi Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge nestled

the fascinating lions of Duba Plains, unique for › Encounter their swimming abilities and daytime hunting. to the calls of the wild in your luxury tent at Zarafa › Awaken Camp, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. some of Africa’s largest elephant and buffalo › Witness herds, drawn to the area’s proliﬁc aquatic habitats. a private tour of Victoria Falls, and watch the sun set › Take over the Zambezi on a river cruise.

in a misty cloud forest canopy. Ride an aerial bike through the treetops of the Chocó rain forest, › and let bioluminescent ﬂora guide you on a jungle night walk. into the colorful markets of Otavalo and meet weavers › Delve at a textile workshop. a private tour of Quito’s well-preserved colonial old › Take town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. DATES

DATES

This expedition is available year-round. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST

2016 EXPEDITION COST 4 people or more

$5,395

2 people

$5,795

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to and from Quito is not included in the expedition cost. This trip includes stays at Hacienda Zuleta, Casa Gangotena, and Mashpi Lodge. For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

Apr. 1–June 14 Nov. 1–Dec. 31

June 15–Oct. 31

4 people or more

$12,995

$16,495

2 people

$13,495

$16,995

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to Johannesburg and from Livingstone, and airfare within southern Africa, are not included in the expedition cost. Internal ﬂights are $300–$850 (subject to change). This trip includes stays at InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, Duba Expedition Camp, Zarafa Camp, and Royal Livingstone Hotel. For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

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2/23/16 5:19 PM

The Taj Mahal

INDIA

Travelers gaze at Uluru, once known as Ayers Rock.

AUSTRALIA

9 DAYS

10 DAYS

Celebrate the rich heritage of India on a journey through the cultural heart of the country. Explore exquisitely carved fortresses and temples, and gaze at the magniﬁcent Taj Mahal. Delve into the colorful bustle of everyday life in Delhi and Jaipur, meet with local artisans, and venture out on safari through Ranthambore National Park in search of the elusive tiger.

From the rock domes of its Red Center to the intricate corals of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s wonders are legendary. Get an insider’s view of Sydney with a private guide, sleep within sight of sacred Uluru, and learn the Aboriginal traditions that infuse the outback. Then discover the dazzling marine life of the world’s largest barrier reef from secluded Lizard Island.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

the sun rise over the exquisite Taj Mahal, and then see › Watch this world wonder under new light at sunset. a historian on a private tour of Delhi, learning about the › Join diverse cultural heritage of this storied city. tigers, leopards, and sloth bears alongside an expert › Track naturalist while on safari in Ranthambore National Park. in views over Jaipur from the Amber Fort, and then › Take tour this magniﬁcent complex of palaces, temples, and

up to views of the sunrise over Uluru, and examine its › Wake ancient rock paintings with a private guide. two spectacular National Geographic Unique Lodges › ofStaytheinWorld: Lizard Island Resort (see page 8) on the Great

gardens with a private guide.

Barrier Reef and Longitude 131° in the heart of the outback.

› See Sydney’s iconic Opera House on a harbor cruise. your trip with a stay at Southern Ocean Lodge (see › Extend page 6), an exquisite National Geographic Unique Lodge on Kangaroo Island—the Galápagos of Australia.

DATES

This expedition is available year-round except July through September. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

This expedition is available year-round. Choose the dates that work for you. For 2017 price inquiries please call our reservations specialists.

2016 EXPEDITION COST

Apr. 16–June 30

Oct.1-Dec.31

4 people or more

$6,495

$8,495

2 people

$6,995

$8,995

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to and from Delhi, and airfare within India, are not included in the expedition cost. Internal ﬂights are $150 (subject to change). This trip includes stays at The Oberoi Delhi, Rambagh Palace, The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Oberoi Amarvilas, and Radisson Blu Plaza New Delhi. For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

4 people or more

$8,495

2 people

$8,995

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability. Single traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. International airfare to Sydney and from Cairns, and airfare within Australia, are not included in the expedition cost. Internal ﬂights are $1,345 (subject to change). This trip includes stays at Shangri-La Sydney, Longitude 131°, Shangri-La Hotel The Marina, and Lizard Island Resort. For the detailed itinerary and meals included, visit our website.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-732-2379 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATE

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2/23/16 5:20 PM

UNIQUE LODGE GETAWAYS SETTLE IN AND STAY AWHILE. From a private atoll in French Polynesia to a wilderness lodge in British Columbia’s cowboy country, National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World are destinations in their own right—and checking in means opening the door to a world of new experiences. We invite you to settle in and stay awhile, immerse yourself in an unforgettable place, and leave enriched and inspired. Take a look at some of the all-inclusive getaways that our lodges offer. To learn more about these experiences and others offered at our lodges, visit nationalgeographiclodges.com or call 1-888-701-5486 to speak to a reservations specialist.

A WILDLIFE SAFARI LIKE NO OTHER Churchill Wild–Seal River Heritage Lodge

Manitoba, Canada From a cozy lodge on the edge of the Hudson Bay, set out into the Canadian Arctic to track polar bears on foot, observe arctic ﬂora and fauna with expert naturalists, and kayak or swim with friendly beluga whales. Birds, Bears, and Belugas

8–day package July–Aug. 2016 From $10,695 per person, per package

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2/22/16 11:00 AM

A WILDERNESS RETREAT DESIGNED FOR YOU Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort British Columbia, Canada Whether your idea of fun is ﬁshing, horseback riding, kayaking, archery, or all of the above, the staff at Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort will help you tailor your ideal adventure in Canada’s cowboy country. Wilderness Explorer Adventure 4 days (minimum) June–Sept. 2016 From $876 per person, per night

ON SAFARI IN THE GREEN KALAHARI Tswalu Kalahari Kalahari, South Africa Venture out on safari in a vast and beautiful private reserve that harbors rare creatures like black-maned lions, meerkats, and pangolins. Enjoy free round-trip air within South Africa. Wildlife Safari 5 days Apr.–Dec. 2016 From $1,040 per person, per night

TRACKING BORNEO’S RARE CREATURES Sukau Rainforest Lodge Sabah, Malaysian Borneo Borneo is home to unusual species like orangutans, pygmy elephants, leaf monkeys (pictured here), and an incredible variety of birds. With your own private guide, learn about orangutan conservation at a rehabilitation center, then spend three days tracking them— and many other creatures—on riverboat outings and nature walks. Orangutan Search 4–day package Apr.–Dec. 2016 From $1,500 per person, per package 35

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A SERENE CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCE Petit St. Vincent Private Island Resort Petit St. Vincent, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Settle into a stunning cottage on a private Caribbean island, and complement your beach time with scuba dives, kayak outings, sailing, and more. You will be treated to a candlelight dinner on the beach, Balinese spa treatments, private yoga sessions, and a sunset cruise. Tranquility 7–day package Jan.–July; Nov.–Dec. 2016 From $6,300 per cottage, per package

A HISTORIC RAIN FOREST RETREAT Reserva do Ibitipoca Minais Gerais, Brazil From your base at a gorgeous 18thcentury farmhouse in the tropical forests of Brazil, spend four days discovering quartzite caves, mountaintop beaches, lush waterfalls with natural pools that beckon, and rare tropical ﬂora and fauna. Jacu Tour 4–day package Apr.–Dec. 2016 From $1,260 per suite, per package

A PERFECT SUMMER ADVENTURE Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort British Columbia, Canada A secret hideaway on British Columbia’s forested coast, Nimmo Bay invites you to celebrate summer in the great outdoors. Paddleboard or kayak amid porpoises and sea lions, go whale watching or ﬂy-ﬁshing, and hike among glacier-topped peaks. Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure 3 days (minimum) May–Oct. 2016 From $1,675 per person, per night

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AMBLING THE ATLANTIC COAST Fogo Island Inn Newfoundland, Canada Fogo Island is a place of rocky coasts, ﬁshing villages, abandoned settlements, and ancient hills. Set out to explore on foot, walking and hiking on trails and coastal paths and gaining insights into this land and its culture from a naturalist, geologist, or local resident. Walking and Hiking 3 days (minimum) Apr.–Nov. 2016 From $1,575 per suite, per night

THE HONEYMOON OF YOUR DREAMS The Brando Tetiaroa, French Polynesia Escape to a private atoll where empty white-sand beaches edge a turquoise lagoon, and spend a week (or more) snorkeling coral gardens, boating, taking walks with naturalists, and enjoying daily spa treatments. Honeymoon 8–day package From $10,545 per person, per package

THE BEST OF BIG SKY COUNTRY The Ranch at Rock Creek Western Montana, United States Experience the American West on a homestead set within 6,600 acres of wildflower meadows, forest, and ranchland. Go horseback riding and hiking, enjoy mountaintop yoga and excellent cuisine, and set out with a private guide for a half-day of fly-fishing on a Blue Ribbon stream. Montana Adventure 6 days (minimum) Apr.–Oct. 2016 From $1,600 per room/cabin, per night

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YOUR TRIP YOUR WAY LET US DESIGN YOUR DREAM TRIP. Everyone’s idea of a dream trip is a little different—and we’re happy to design yours for you. Just pick a place on your bucket list and let us craft a trip tailor-made for you. Belize? France? Madagascar? Japan? You name it. You can choose one of the private expeditions in this catalog—or modify one of them, adding a few extra days on safari or in a city you love, for example, or including a destination that wasn’t in the original itinerary. If there’s a National Geographic Unique Lodge that captures your imagination, we’ll help you build a personalized trip that features it. You might combine a visit to Victoria Falls with a stay at the intimate camps of The Bushcamp Company, located in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Or top off a trip to New Zealand with a sojourn at Capella Lodge on magical Lord Howe Island. Call 1-888-732-2379 or visit natgeoexpeditions.com/custom to start crafting the trip of your dreams.

Lavender ﬁelds in the south of France

The emerald folds of Dominica’s Morne Trois Pitons

A leopard in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park

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The hulking peaks of Lord Howe Island ﬁll the backdrop at Capella Lodge.

An elegant dinner in the wilderness awaits guests at one of the intimate camps of The Bushcamp Company.

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MORE WAYS TO TRAVEL WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Our range of travel experiences is truly panoramic. In addition to private expeditions for independent travelers, we offer many different ways to see the world with other curious and engaged travelers. Join an expert-led wildlife safari or archaeology-focused expedition, or travel by train, small ship, or private jet. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, an avid hiker, an adventurous teen, or a parent looking to meet and travel with other families, you’ll ﬁnd a wide array of opportunities to nourish your wanderlust. And no matter how you travel with us, you’ll delve into local traditions, learn about habitats, and meet fascinating people—exploring in the tradition of National Geographic. To learn about all the ways you can travel with National Geographic, visit natgeoexpeditions.com.

SMALL-SHIP VOYAGES

LAND EXPEDITIONS

ACTIVE ADVENTURES

Take to the sea aboard one of the six ships of the National Geographic–Lindblad ﬂeet and explore the Galápagos, Alaska, Europe, and more with a team of naturalists, historians, photographers, and more.

Go on safari, encounter a legendary monument, explore an archaeological dig, or ﬁnd the hidden wonders of a national park. Our land trips are led by a Nat Geo expert and celebrate the history, culture, and natural heritage of a destination.

Explore by foot, by camel or kayak, or even by dogsled on an active adventure that combines spectacular places, physical challenge, and cultural interaction. Led by dynamic guides, these trips are limited to 16 travelers.

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TRAIN TRIPS

JOURNEYS

Wind through dramatic mountain scenery or observe scenes of everyday life, experiencing the world through the nostalgic lens of train travel.

We’ve partnered with G Adventures to offer smallgroup trips that combine knowledgeable local guides, meaningful encounters with people and places, and more free time and choices—all at an incredible value.

FAMILY EXPEDITIONS

PRIVATE JET TRIPS

STUDENT EXPEDITIONS

Introduce your family to the magic of travel on trips designed for travelers of all ages that combine learning, discovery, and fun.

Experience fascinating places as far-ﬂung as Easter Island and Marrakech on one epic journey, traveling with a team of experts in the comfort of a VIP-conﬁgured jet.

Send your high school or middle school student on assignment with National Geographic to explore inspiring destinations in depth alongside our experts and trip leaders.

PHOTO TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS Improve your photography skills with the guidance of a National Geographic photographer— whether you’re traveling through Japan or heading out on shoots during an intensive weekend workshop in New York City.

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AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

OUR LOYALTY PROGRAM Once you’ve traveled on three National Geographic Expeditions, Adventures, Journeys, and/or Private Expeditions, you’ll qualify for enrollment in our Lifelong Explorer program. Lifelong Explorers are entitled to a host of beneﬁts: • Savings on future National Geographic Expeditions, Adventures, Journeys, and/or Private Expeditions • Advance notice on new trips • Invitations to join special trips not open to the public Guests pause for a mountaintop picnic on a heli-hiking adventure at British Columbia’s Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort.

You’re just a few steps away from an incredible trip. Here’s how to make your reservation. Book a Private Expedition To request a reservation, visit natgeoexpeditions.com/private.

Build a Custom Trip To create your own itinerary with our travel experts, visit natgeoexpeditions.com/custom.

Stay at a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World

• Special offers on upcoming trips • Invitations to exclusive National Geographic events and lectures around the country • Dedicated email newsletters exclusively for Lifelong Explorers To learn more about the Lifelong Explorer program, visit natgeoexpedtions.com/lle

Learn about all of the lodges in our collection at natgeolodges.com, then request a reservation online.

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS RESPONSIBILITY National Geographic Private Expeditions will provide educational enrichment as outlined on nationalgeographicexpeditions.com and has licensed qualiﬁed professional tour operators to organize and administer National Geographic Private Expeditions. The designated tour operator, in turn, acts only as an agent for any transportation carrier, hotel, ground operator, or other suppliers of services connected with speciﬁc National Geographic Private Expeditions (“Other Providers”), and the Other Providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time participants are not aboard their conveyances.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Basis of Rates: All prices are per person based on two persons sharing a room (unless otherwise noted). All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars. The rates are based on published tariffs, currency values, airfares and third-party charges as of the publication date, and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While National Geographic will do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, National Geographic reserves the right to do so, and notification will be given at the time of final invoicing. Eligibility: Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire Private Expedition. Some itineraries have minimum age requirements—call for more information. Included in Private Expedition Cost: Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner); educational materials; pre-departure information; entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary; ground transportation during the expedition; transfers; services of guides and any other staff; and taxes, and service charges. Please note: the “B, L, D” notations apply to the period during the National Geographic Private Expedition portion of the itinerary only and do not include any meals on flights to/from the Private Expedition. Not Included: Air transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary); activities noted as optional in the itinerary; gratuities (tipping guidelines vary by destination and will be provided in pre-trip materials); passport and visa expenses; medical expenses and immunizations; baggage/ accident/cancellation insurance; personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages; and any other items not specifically noted as included. Payments, Cancellations, and Refunds: To reserve space on a National Geographic Private Expedition, a USD$1,000 perperson non-refundable deposit is required. Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure. Payments must be made by credit card. National Geographic and its tour operator partner reserve the right to cancel a participant’s reservation if full payment has not been received by 90 days prior to departure. For reservations made within 90 days of the departure date, full payment is required when the reservation is accepted. All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark. Per-person charges for cancellations that occur less than 90 days prior to departure (“Cancellation Penalty Period”) are as follows: 45-90 days prior to departure: 50% of the expedition cost; 44 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% of the expedition cost. This policy also applies to pre- and post-expedition extensions. Any re-

National Geographic Partners, LLC, its parent, subsidiaries and their respective employees, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives, assigns (collectively “National Geographic”) and its designated tour operator shall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such other provider; and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, ﬁre, ﬂood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against National Geographic and/or its designated tour operator for any such loss, damage, injury, or death.

By registering for a National Geographic Private Expedition, the participant certiﬁes that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself or herself or other participants. National Geographic and its designated tour operator reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a National Geographic Private Expedition. National Geographic and the tour operator reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants.

visions made within the Cancellation Penalty Period, such as a change in departure date or choice of expedition, are subject to this cancellation policy. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier’s refund policy. Arriving late or leaving a Private Expedition in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of a Private Expedition. National Geographic reserves the right to cancel any expedition because of good-faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the participants. If an expedition is canceled prior to departure, the tour operator will provide participants with a full refund of monies paid to the tour operator; except in the event that the cancellation is due to a signiﬁcant event that makes it infeasible to operate the expedition as planned, in which case the tour operator will provide participants with a refund and/or credit toward a future National Geographic Private Expedition equivalent to monies paid to the tour operator. If National Geographic cancels the expedition in progress, participants will receive a prorated refund based on the number of days not completed on the expedition. Except as outlined above when National Geographic cancels an expedition, National Geographic and its designated tour operator has no responsibility for any expenses, including any non-refundable expenses incurred by participants in preparing for a cancelled expedition or for any additional arrangements should participants embark prior to the scheduled group departure date.

participants to consult a doctor for speciﬁc medical advice about any activities or destinations. Certain expeditions may require that the participant obtain medical consent prior to departure as a condition of participation.

Trip-cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended. For more information about and to enroll in an option available through Travel Insurance Services, visit the “Travel Insurance” section of our website at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com nationalgeographicexpeditions.com. Itinerary Changes: The itineraries, accommodations, and staff presented in the National Geographic Private Expedition documentation are subject to modiﬁcation and change by National Geographic or its designated tour operator. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may still occur after ﬁnal itineraries are sent.

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Medical Authorization and Coverage: In the event participant becomes sufficiently incapacitated as to be unable to direct his or her own care, there is no one on the expedition who can direct participant’s care, and National Geographic is unable or does not have time to contact participant’s emergency contact, the participant, by registering and paying a deposit for a National Geographic Private Expedition, authorizes any medical treatment deemed necessary in the event of any injury or illness while participating in the activity including, but not limited to, X-ray, examination, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis, or treatment and hospital care which is deemed advisable by, and is to be rendered under the general or speciﬁc supervision of, any physician and/or surgeon licensed in the United States, or, if in a foreign country and no physician licensed to practice in the United States is reasonably available, by a duly licensed physician deemed competent to render the necessary care. In addition, the participant certiﬁes that they have medical insurance which will cover personal accidents, medical expenses, medical evacuation, air ambulance, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the participant, or that in the absence of this medical insurance coverage, the participant agrees to pay all costs of rescue and/or medical services as may be incurred on the participant’s behalf. Dispute Resolution: Dispute Resolution policy and process is available at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/information/ terms. Please Note: See our website to review Terms and Conditions for other National Geographic travel programs, including National Geographic Expeditions, National Geographic Adventures, National Geographic Journeys, and National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. See more at: nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/information/ terms

Documentation: Participants are responsible for obtaining any documents required for their participation in the expedition such as a valid passport, all visas, vaccination certiﬁcates, and any other documents. Failure to obtain documents does not negate the terms and conditions, and any extra costs incurred for rerouting due to travel without the necessary documents will be the participant’s responsibility.

Other: Additional Terms and Conditions may apply to some National Geographic Private Expeditions and will be provided with pre-expedition communications. By registering for a National Geographic Private Expedition, the participant agrees to the Responsibility statement and the Terms and Conditions herein.

Health Requirements: Participants must be in good physical and mental health. Any physical condition, diet, or treatment requiring special attention must be reported in writing when the reservation is made. National Geographic encourages

Neither National Geographic, nor its designated tour operator, shall be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the participant’s National Geographic Private Expeditions departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

Mailing List: If you are receiving duplicate catalogs, have address updates, or would like to be removed from future National Geographic Expeditions mailings, please call tollfree 1-888-732-2379.

Back cover: A pair of snorkelers ﬁn closer to brightly colored corals off Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef.

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TRAVEL INDEPENDENTLY— WITH ALL THE BENEFITS OF TRAVELING WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Alaska • Australia • Bhutan • Botswana • China • Costa Rica • Ecuador • Greece • Italy • India • Kenya • Mongolia Morocco • Patagonia • Peru • South Africa • Spain • Switzerland • Tanzania • Vietnam and Cambodia To reserve, call toll-free 1-888-732-2379 or visit natgeoexpeditions.com/private.

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